Jason Meyer, PhD

Associate Professor of Biology, School of Science

Bio

Dr. Meyer received his bachelor’s degree from Colgate University and his doctoral degree from the University of Missouri. He completed his postdoctoral training at the University of Wisconsin and was later promoted to the rank of assistant scientist, where he developed the foundational ability to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells into retinal neurons. Since August of 2010, Dr. Meyer has established his research program at IUPUI focused upon the mechanisms underlying the specification and maturation of individual cell types of the retina, with a particular focus upon photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells. Additionally, Dr. Meyer’s research group is interested in the ability to study features of retinal disease through the use of patient-specific stem cells.

Titles & Appointments

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are derived through the genetic reprogramming of somatic cells to yield a population of stem cells capable of giving rise to all cell types of the body. As such, they can be utilized to study some of the earliest events underlying the generationof specific cell types of the nervous system. Current research in the lab focuses upon the differentiation of iPS cells into retinal neurons, with important implications for the study of blinding neurodegenerative diseases. Through the derivation of iPS cells from the somatic cells of patients with known genetic mutations underlying neurodegenerative diseases, it is possible to study the onset and progression of these diseases in the particular cell types affected by the disorder. Such an approach also allows for the development of personalized medicine approaches to treating diseases, as well as pharmacological screening with the goal of identifying novel compounds capable of treating these diseases.

Research Labs

Faculty research at IU School of Medicine is transforming health. Details about the medical research being conducted in faculty labs throughout IU School of Medicine are available in the Research section of this site.

About

IU School of Medicine is the largest medical school in the US and is annually ranked among the top medical schools in the nation by US News & World Report. The school offers high-quality medical education, access to leading medical research and rich campus life in nine Indiana cities, including rural and urban locations consistently recognized for livability.